What happened
Eitan returned from combat in Gaza at age 22 carrying invisible wounds. Flashbacks and severe PTSD made sleep impossible, but instead of immediate care, he encountered a military bureaucracy that required him to repeatedly prove his trauma was real.
Gai Akoka, an attorney with the Jerusalem Institute of Justice, stepped in to represent Eitan. Akoka fought through every hearing until Eitan received complete recognition of his disability status, securing vital treatment and benefits.
The Jerusalem Institute of Justice says more than 24,000 IDF soldiers have been wounded since October 7. The organization states that soldiers with PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries often face denials, delays, and buried claims, and that its legal team files claims with the Ministry of Defense, represents soldiers in medical committees, and works to maximize medical and rehabilitation rights.
According to the organization, JIJ has represented 400 wounded soldiers, recovered $17 million in benefits, and achieved 25 Supreme Court victories. The group provides free legal representation with no retainer fees or contingencies.
